Olivet University welcomed representatives from the North American Mission Board (NAMB) as special guests on Tuesday, January 31, 2006.

NAMB is the domestic missions agency of the Southern Baptist Convention – the nation's largest Protestant denomination.

Strategic planning executives Mr. Dennis Mitchell and Mr. Greg Penna from the Church Planting Group of NAMB were invited to spend the afternoon with Olivet officials by Dean of Olivet Theological College & Seminary, Dr. William L. Wagner.

Also in attendance were Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (GGBTS) lecturer and former President of the Cape Town Baptist Theological Seminary in South Africa, Dr. Gerhard Venter, and his wife Joan, and GGBTS Register, Mr. Rick Guerrero.

The half-day visit was an opportunity for the diverse cadre leaders to become familiar with Olivet University, especially its use of Internet technology to serve the needs of mission organizations and evangelical theological institutions.

"We see huge potential for using cyberspace to transform societies with the Gospel message," explained Ms. Tracy McNeal, Director of Academic Affairs, who provided the guests with a tour the University's main campus facilities and a presentation of its programs. "Today's meeting opened the exciting possibility of connecting that vision with the mission work at NAMB."

Among the questions discussed at the gathering, McNeal identified: How is Olivet helping mission organizations and theological institutions keep pace with technology in the Information Age? In what ways is Olivet helping evangelical constituencies collaborate electronically? Where are the ministry opportunities? How can mission and parachurch ministry activities influence, or lead, the shaping of cyberspace?

Commented Mr. Walker Tzeng, Chief Operating Officer of Olivet University, who could not attend the gathering, "We are honored to host such prominent mission leaders. The University has a strong commitment to exploring new relationships with mission-focused organizations like NAMB. We hope this introduction is just the beginning."

Officials representing Olivet University plan to visit NAMB offices in Atlanta, GA to meet with staff members later this year to continue their discussions.